Loraine A. (Lasley) Atherton, 108 ½ years young, of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Spinghurst Health Campus.
She was born on January 1, 1913, one of six children, to Ora and Claudia (Whitecotton) Lasley, in the small town of Gessie, IN. Loraine graduated from Tech High School in Indianapolis. She married her love, Horace Atherton.
In the beginning, Loraine grew up in a world with limited access to activities, amenities, and medical advancements. But, over time as society grew, developed, and prospered, Loraine was part of such flourishment. She witnessed much over her years, participated in numerous activities up to her final breathe, and cherished life to the fullest. To say that Loraine has seen much over her years, is an understatement. She has seen wartime, married, raised a family, professionally worked, as well as enjoyed the golden years into her retirement.
Loraine worked as a supervisor for Bell Telephone for many years, prior to her retirement. She also worked as a nurse’s aide in the New Palestine School districts. She was a 4-H Leader.
She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and, fishing with her husband. She traveled much on her own to many different destinations including Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, and Colorado. She parasailed at the age of 80. She drove until the young age of 97. She lived on her own until age 101.
While in the nursing home, she came to love everyone, and everyone loved her and her family in return. She played cards, Dominos, and Euchre with the other residents. She even made a snow angel well into her 100’s. She completed daily cross-word puzzles until her final breathe. Loraine has also been featured in numerous articles assembled by the local newspaper(s) over her years. She became a member of Philadelphia United Methodist Church in 1951.
Loraine is survived by her daughter, Pamela Komendo; son-in-law, Gerald Kleiman; grandchildren: Brian Kleiman, Darrin Kleiman, Mike Sitter, and Tricia Hanaway; 15 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Horace Atherton; daughter, Marilyn Kleiman; grandson, Lou Sitter; son-in-law, Jay Komendo; and 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Greenfield, has been extremely honored to assist the Atherton family and on a life well lived for well over 108 years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Philadelphia United Methodist Church, Philadelphia.
The funeral will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m., at the church, with Pastor Ethan Maple officiating.
Burial will take place in Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church that Loraine so adored. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com
